In my previous post I mentioned that I’d reached an exciting milestone in my Clouds photo project: ordering my test print of a small portion of this project printed in zine form. This printing was just a small selection of some of my cloud images to check how photos would print and make sure I was doing things in a way that printed well. I still have more work to finish putting this project together before the final test print.
I was excited to receive my zine in the mail yesterday. This still feels like a huge accomplishment for me considering all the intense, disabling, moment to moment mental health struggles I face as well as other obstacles within this project. And it took some courage for me to open the package my zine was in—I was afraid that since this was my first time doing this, I’d done things wrong and had possibly made a mess of the printed zine.
I was thankful I opened it up and took a look at it. It was so rewarding and refreshing to actually hold in my hands and look through my Clouds zine test print.
I was relieved that to me it seemed to have turned out reasonably well. There are a few small adjustments I may need to make and it was so fulfilling to see that—in my opinion—I was definitely on the right track with my ideas, layout, sizing and use of the desktop publishing software.
Part of my excitement for this project is for the meaning and importance it has to me as I’ve captured images of clouds over the years as a way to appreciate nature and my surroundings and to cope. And it’s also my hope that somehow, maybe this printed project could be an inspiration, encouragement, possibly help provide a moment of peace, some mindful, restful moments or in some way be beneficial to those who see this zine.
I was thrilled to see that, from my perspective, the front cover, spine and back cover layout seemed to work out alright. I had come up with the idea of trying to do a wraparound type of cloud image. This process took some careful consideration and work to get the layout to show what I had in mind. I had to divide the front and back cover into separate images and also figure out what portion of my image to use for the spine image so that it would all seamlessly blend together.
While this does feel a bit vulnerable it’s also exciting for me to get to share a small part of this project with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts or ideas about this project—feel free to share with me in the comments.
Amanda Creamer Photography 
Congratulations on getting this far with your zine. The photos you’ve posted look great and I’m happy that you’re pleased with the results. I look forward to seeing the final zine. You’ve also inspired me to get started on a book or zine project of my own!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rick, thanks so much for your kindness and encouragement—I truly appreciate it a lot! That’s awesome that you’re inspired to start on a book or zine project of your own! It can be so fulfilling to see your work put together in printed form.
LikeLike
Oh Amanda this is just awesome!! It was so nice to read your blog from seeing the image you posted in Flickr. Keep up the good work both in your photography and in you hourney to mental health wellness!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Sharon! I appreciate you taking the time to read this post and your kindness and encouragement. Thank you!
Amanda
LikeLike
Fabulous work, Amanda!
Gorgeous, satisfying images…
Really enjoyable, for sure
Best regards
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tim, thank you for your kind compliments and so glad you enjoyed the images! Appreciate it a lot!
Amanda
LikeLike
Must feel really good to have some of your photos made into something physical you can hold and look at. The book is looking great so far. I love the square size and really like the front to back image bleed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Austin! Yes, it is great to have a print to hold in my hands and see. Perhaps you’re speaking from your own experience on how nice it is to have photos printed. 🙂 Thanks so much for your encouraging and thoughtful feedback—I appreciate it a lot.
Amanda
LikeLike
Unfortunately I have not had anything of mine printed yet, I’m looking forward to creating my first zine soon, so its super helpful seeing the process of other people, like you, making theirs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Austin—That’s great you’re looking forward to creating your first zine! Wishing you the best in that process and look forward to seeing what you create if you choose to share. I can relate to what you mentioned—I was also inspired by seeing others creating and sharing their zines.
LikeLike